Key Facts & Information

Overview

Did you know that about 700,000 gallons of water flow over the famous Niagara Falls every second? Moving water is a great source of renewable energy, and two hydroelectric power plants built upstream from the Canadian side of the falls and one hydroelectric power plant built upstream from the U.S. side of the falls efficiently exploit the energy from all that water. Such hydroelectric plants use turbines, rotors, generators, and other complicated equipment to supply us with electricity for our homes and businesses 24 hours every day. Hydroelectric plant technicians monitor and control the activities associated with hydroelectric generation. They operate, maintain, and troubleshoot all plant equipment to ensure that the hydroelectric plant runs at peak performance.

Key Requirements

Excellent mechanical and electrical skills, detail-oriented work habits, good observational abilities, solid hand-eye coordination, zest for problem-solving, good written and verbal skills

This edition of Career Currents contains a lot of information about hydroelectricity including an interview with Dwayne Alley, a hydroelectric power plant superintendent who started his career with a background in machine shop and welding.

Training, Other Qualifications

Education and Training

The minimum degree required is an associate's degree in engineering technology. Although it may be possible to qualify for certain hydroelectric plant technician jobs without formal training, most employers prefer to hire someone with a two-year associate degree or other post-secondary training in engineering technology. Workers with less formal engineering technology training need more time to learn skills while on the job. Prospective hydroelectric plant technicians should take as many high school science and math courses as possible to prepare for programs in engineering technology after high school.

Nature of the Work

Watch this video
to see what Bryan Hoyum does as a turbine technician at power plants in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Watch this video
to see what Bryan Hoyum does as a turbine technician at power plants in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Hydroelectric power is important to many nations. This source provides about 96% of renewable energy in the United States and 10% of the nation's total electricity generating capacity. Hydroelectric plant technicians play an important role in producing and providing uninterrupted energy to the public. Hydroelectric plant technicians install, inspect, test, adjust, repair, and maintain a variety of equipment in power stations, including relay switches, motors, starters, electric governor controllers, and pressure switches. They operate, control, and monitor the hydroelectric generating units and auxiliary equipment.

As in any production plant, large pieces of equipment can malfunction. Hydroelectric plant technicians test, troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair malfunctions or failure of electrical or mechanical operational equipment using precision instruments in order to minimize downtime. They work with system-dispatch supervisors to make sure that the production and delivery of power is as smooth as possible. Technicians are responsible for scheduling and performing regular preventive maintenance on equipment. Because the job requires deep knowledge of electrical equipment, they must track electrical drawings, equipment files, sketches, reports, logs and records, and changes or alterations made to electrical systems.

Work Environment

Hydroelectric plant technicians maintain a standard 40-hour workweek but in either 8- or 12-hour shifts. However, they are on call and must be able to respond to emergency situations, so their actual time worked can be greater than 40 hours a week.

During the course of the workday, hydroelectric plant technicians are exposed to electrical energy, noise, dust, grease, smoke, gases, vibrations, and fumes. They must be comfortable working in confined spaces and around heavy equipment. Technicians must follow all safety procedures and use available safety equipment to ensure the well-being of all employees. Hydroelectric plant technicians can expect to stand for prolonged periods of time, lift moderate to heavy loads, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb stairs or ladders. Because the work can be demanding, hydroelectric plant technicians must maintain their physical condition.

On the Job

Identify and address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, and turbines.

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